Roadworks planned as work begins on 170 Skipton Road homes

Dan Windham

Motorists travelling to and from Harrogate on Skipton Road will be faced with more roadworks next week as work starts on building 170 houses.

Construction of a temporary access for a site compound to be established within the new development is due to start on Monday, April 18.

The work will involve temporary traffic lights being in place, outside the peak hours of 9.30am to 3.30pm, and is scheduled to last three days.

Bellway Homes had plans approved in 2015 to build 170 homes on the A59, Skipton Road, on the field opposite Crowberry Drive and Norwich Drive.

The preparatory work will take place between Cow Dyke Bridge and Crowberry Drive in order for Bellway Homes to start building their major housing development.

Bellway Homes submitted their amended scheme to build 170 homes on Skipton Road after originally proposing plans for 220 then 207 homes.

The development firm submitted their first application in June 2014 following Harrogate Borough Council's local plan being thrown out.

Their application followed on top of 210 homes developers CEG were granted a month before and Coun Don Mackenzie said he was 'disappointed' another major plan had been brought forward.

Speaking in 2014, Coun Mackenzie said: “Planning permission for this number of homes was given to Commercial Estates last month, this new proposal would double the allocation.

“I am disappointed that this developer is bringing forward another substantial plan which seeks to expand the town’s boundary northwards towards Killinghall.”

Many objections were to the plans were received by HBC with concerns over the road network being unable to accommodate additional traffic on Skipton Road and increased traffic through the Jennyfields estate.

The work is expected to disrupt motorists travelling in and out of Harrogate on Skipton Road, via the New Park roundabout.

However, the contractors have said the works will not conflict with the Spring Flower Show as they will be working off the carriageway in their site during these days.

The planning permission for the development requires two right turn lane access junctions to the new development to be build and the relocation of the bus stop on Skipton Road to be completed.

Improvements to roundabouts on the A59 and A61, as well as the Jennyfield Drive junction traffic signals will also have to be completed prior to occupants moving in.

A toucan crossing will also be introduced on Skipton Road with the developer providing a delivery programme of these works at a later date.